The Nissan Micra might be one of the cheapest cars you can buy in North America, but it's never been all that interesting to look at, not when you compare it to the Ford Fiesta. However, things just became a whole lot more interesting, thanks to the Micra's first racing series. The downsize? It's only in Canada.
The local Nissan dealer network will organize a one-make series consisting of five race weekends stretched out from May until late summer. Each weekend will offer speed junkies two hours of track time consisting of a 30-minute trial, a 30-minute qualifying session and two 30-minute races.
The coolest thing about the Micra Cup is just how cheaply you can go racing: $19,998. For that, you don't get a lot in the way of power, just a 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual. However, they have added a sports cold air intake, Nismo-tuned suspension kit and a new exhaust system without a catalytic converter. Perhaps the most useful features are the Pirelli track tires and the high-performance brake pads.
According to FIA regulations, the Micra's little cabin also had to be fitted with a full roll cage, a five-point racing harness and a fire extinguisher. Will she handle? Find out by watching te video below and tell us what you think.
“The Nissan Micra Cup offers competitors the one-of-a-kind opportunity to push the limits and hit speeds they never thought they could behind the wheel of Canada’s most attainable vehicle,” Christian Meunier, Nissan Canada’s president, said in a press release. “Nissan’s heritage is intrinsically connected to motorsports and date back to the 1930s. Therefore, we are proud to return to our roods in such a unique way, and in Canada!”
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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